@sinbad urgh that sucks, but also isn't surprising. I have a general dislike for how university is a mandatory for jobs that really don't warrant conventional learning methods, but it seems especially ridiculous in industries like this.
Going to uni to better yourself, because that's an environment that works for you? Great!
Want to architect a building where safety and such is paramount? Yep, you're gonna need to cert up!
Been drawing stuff and want to do it for me? Cool - show and tell!